Marvelous Middle Grade Monday - The Tail of Emily Windsnap

 

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday

Shannon Whitney Messenger decided it was time to give middle grade stories the attention they deserve, and "Marvelous Middle Grade Mondays" was born. I couldn't resist being a part of such brilliance.

The Tail of Emily Windsnap

by Liz Kessler

Goodreads Blurb:

For as long as she can remember, twelve-year-old Emily Windsnap has lived on a boat. And, oddly enough, for just as long, her mother has seemed anxious to keep her away from the water. But when Mom finally agrees to let her take swimming lessons, Emily makes a startling discovery - about her own identity, the mysterious father she's never met, and the thrilling possibilities and perils shimmering deep below the water's surface. 

With a sure sense of suspense and richly imaginative details, first-time author Liz Kessler lures us into a glorious undersea world where mermaids study shipwrecks at school and Neptune rules with an iron trident - an enchanting fantasy about family secrets, loyal friendship, and the convention-defying power of love.

This is an example of MG lit. truly meant for MG readers. Junior high-aged girls (and younger) love this book.  They love Emily; they love it that she's a mermaid and can go back and forth between worlds if she wants to; they love it that she finds her father . . .   They just plain love it.

Adult readers tend to find it predictable. Emily takes too long to figure things out. We all know what's going on WAY before she does. It's a cute story, though, and perfect for its target audience.

I recommend this series for MG girls who love water and swimming and mermaids . . . oh, my!

Happy Monday!